CO2 pipeline hearing promises emotion

'We want to be treated like every other hazardous gas pipeline.'

A new sign opposing CO2 pipelines and eminent domain powers for companies planning to build them through South Dakota has popped up along a major corridor into Harrisburg.

For months, Minnehaha County commissioners have listened to the concerns of residents who oppose carbon dioxide pipelines.

At the same time, they’ve heard assurances from those who support the pipelines.

Now, the time for voting draws near.

The commission has set a May 23 hearing on a proposed zoning change to regulate pipelines that transmit hazardous materials in the county. Those would include carbon pipelines. The hearing follows a marathon April 24 Planning Commission meeting in which two dozen people testified on the issue — most of those opponents who want more regulation.

The changes give them more regulation — although not as much as some wanted. Proposed amendments are expected, but it will ultimately be up to the County Commission to set the standard. The Planning Commission voted 6-0 to recommend the changes.

Pipelines that meet the criteria would be granted special use permits while those that don’t would be required to obtain conditional use permits and the scrutiny that comes with conditional use permits. 

The stakes are high.

NEWS: CO2 pipeline ruling allows Summit to conduct surveys on private land